Peace and Development in the Middle East and North Africa and the Roles of China and Europe

From 14 to 18 September 2025, experts on the Middle East gathered in Beijing, China, for an exchange on “Peace and Development in the Middle East and North Africa and the Roles of China and Europe.” The FES-Delegation’s trip focused on the regional security situation and on China’s and Europe’s policies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

During the discussions it became apparent that the MENA region’s security architecture represents a significant challenge for the future – one which is important to both Europe and China. For China,  multilateral partnerships and sustainable economic cooperation are essential for fostering lasting peace and prosperity across the region.

In the current dynamic environment, China is seeking to position itself as a mediating partner, continuing diplomatic efforts similar to the Iran-Saudi Arabia agreement in the past. The exchange on peaceful solutions for the region, particularly concerning the war in Gaza, proved a highly fruitful topic for debate. The two delegations discussed both the developments on the ground and their international repercussions, including views from the MENA, China and Europe. Both sides shared the view that the Israel-Palestine conflict must be resolved through agreement among the region’s relevant actors on peaceful terms.

In the case of the Iranian nuclear program, China could play a key role in inducing the Iranian side to negotiations and thereby easing regional tensions and Tehrans international isolation. After the recent attack by Israel and the US, Tehran seems to be at a crossroads in its foreign policy strategy with regional and external powers. At the same time, the war created a political dilemma for Western countries: As they largely sided with Israel, they lost political sway and credibility in the Global South. 

The discussions during the multi-day trip to Beijing took place during a dynamic political situation. Thus, this exchange with Chinese counterparts was particularly important given the current state of transition in the MENA region. While China seeks to strengthen its regional presence, Europe also aspires to find a role in the region. Consequently, Europe must ensure it does not undermine its regional influence through unambitious or inconsistent political messaging.

In an era of geopolitical competition and rising tensions, this exchange underlined the value of promoting peace and diplomacy through joint political initiatives and international dialogue.